Wheel Time!

Meet The Teacher: Gabrielle Fast

I am a first-year art teacher for grades K-12. I feel that my life experiences have led me to this position and I am loving it!

Project Description

Inspired by the TV show "The Great Pottery Throwdown", students will be given challenges to make pieces on the wheel. They have three weeks (12 school days) to accomplish their chosen challenge.

Materials

  • Standard Clay Company Low-fire white clay
  • Amaco low-fire glazes
  • 4 different brands of pottery wheels
Download Material List

Grade Level

High School

Difficulty

Advanced

Student Hands-On Time

12 hours

Teacher Prep Time

2 hours

Project Cost / Cost Per Student

2.25

National Core Arts Standards - Visual Arts

  • Creating - Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas.
  • Creating - Organize and develop artistic work.
  • Creating - Conceiving and developing new artistic ideas and work.
  • Connecting - Connect personal experiences with artmaking and meaning.

21st Century Skills

  • Creativity & Innovation
  • Flexibility & Adaptability
  • Initiative & Self-Direction
  • Productivity & Accountability

STEAM Education

  • Arts

Differentiations and Accommodations

Differentiation

Struggling Learners

Accommodation

I have one student who is new and a bit behind other students. But they are working hard to catch up with the rest of the class. I give them more of my time when needed and show techniques that the other students already know.

Learning Objectives: Knowledge

By the end of the lesson, students will understand how to match a piece that they threw on the wheel. They will know how to measure the openings and height of their piece. Some will learn how to create a matching piece of a different size but same design. Others who chose matching mugs will understand how to create two handles of the same size and style.

Learning Objectives: Skills

Students could not do this project without the skill of centering the clay. By the end of the lesson, they will have acquired a new skill of matching a piece that they threw on the wheel. Creating a nice piece once is great but duplicating it and making that piece again is an amazing skill.

Learning Objectives: Attitudes/Values

This project will give the students a sense of accomplishment and gumption to attempt difficult projects in the future. I have heard my students say things like "I'm not good at throwing on the wheel." or "It's not going to turn out well." However, after they created a piece and looked at it, they sat up straighter and were filled with pride. Their peers confirmed their new skill and the energy in the classroom became heightened!

Formative Assessment

I am constantly walking around the room talking to each student. Sometimes I provide a tool that I feel may work better for what they are trying to accomplish. Sometimes I offer photos to look at for a reference. Other times, I give reminders about how to hold their hands while throwing on the wheel.

Summative Assessment

One the pieces are thrown and ready to start the drying process, I give feedback and allow them to smooth rough edges or trim a piece that needs a foot. After the pieces are bisque fired, I give feedback about any sanding they might want to do. After glaze is applied, I again talk with them to ensure they have three even coats and allowed space at the bottom edge of their piece. Then after the pieces come out of the kiln, I give them a grade on all the steps along their journey.

Reflection and Discussion

What challenge did you select? How do you see yourself throwing that piece on the wheel? What do you need to be successful? What difficulties do you think will possibly make you stumble? What skills do you already have that will help you be successful?

Lesson Activities

Choose Your Challenge

Options are: 1. Throw a container with a fitted lid. (1 student chose this) 2. Throw 2 matching mugs with handles. (3 students) 3. Throw 3 stacking bowls. 4. Throw a bowl and punch holes in it to become a strainer with handles and feet. Create a smaller matching strainer. (1 student chose this, and it broke during the boney dry phase, so they created a flowerpot & plate) 5. Throw a flower vase that is 8" tall and a matching buddy that is about 4" tall. (2 students) 6. Throw 5 tiny matching vases or bowls or mugs, about 1" tall. 7. Throw a flowerpot and matching plate to catch run off water. (1 student)Students have one class, or one hour, to choose their project.

Research & Sketch

Take one classes (one hour) to research ideas on their design. Look at internet sites (Pinterest is a go-to site) and books in classroom. Students may talk to their peers and myself to describe their plan. Next, students will sketch the design, shape, handle, and make notes on sizes. They may look at our glaze samples to think about color choices. Will they use an underglaze or sgraffito technique?

Start Wheel Time!

We have seven students in the 3-Dimensional Design class and four pottery wheels. Four students will throw one day while three are continuing to sketch and make decisions. The next day, they will trade and new students can work on the wheels. Allow for seven minutes of clean up time.

Wheel Time! continued

Students will continue working on their first piece. It may be time to trim the bottom or add a handle. Students will work at their own speed. They may attempt their second piece after completing the first one or throw two on the same day if they are efficient. Allow for seven minutes of clean up time.

Glaze

Students will begin glazing their work after I bisque fired their pieces. Several of our students went on a trip for Business Professionals of America or to Divisionals and Districts for the varsity basketball team. Because of these absences, students were not able to finish glazing in time. I am allowing for one more week to finish glazing their work. Allow for seven minutes of clean up time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

I will play "The Great Pottery Throwdown" in the background for inspiration as you look online or in the books for ideas about which challenge you might want to select. There are seven to choose from and you can all choose the same one or each choose a different challenge. What matters to me is that you are choosing something that you are interested in and will challenge you.

Step 2

Now that you made your selection, start sketching it in your sketchbooks. You will make notes on colors, sizes, or handles. Imagine going through the motions and think of how you will make a fitted lid or a matching piece, for example. I can play "The Great Pottery Throwdown" again on the SmartBoard to inspire you.

Step 3

Today, you are going to start throwing! I need four students to claim a wheel and get their clay wedged. If you are not ready to start today, then ensure that you finish your sketches so you can start tomorrow.

Step 4

Continue working and taking turns on the wheels. You might need to trim a piece today while a classmate throws today.